Craving a delicious and satisfying chili that's also surprisingly healthy? Look no further! This Impossible Burger chili recipe delivers all the hearty flavor you expect from a classic chili, but with a plant-based twist that's packed with protein and nutrients. It’s a perfect example of how easy and delicious homemade cooking can be, making it an ideal addition to your quick dinner ideas repertoire. This recipe is incredibly versatile, easily customizable to your spice preferences, and perfect for meal prepping. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this fantastic, healthy meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 pound Impossible Burger, crumbled
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and bell peppers and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
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Brown the Impossible Burger: Add the crumbled Impossible Burger to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. This step adds depth of flavor to your chili.
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Simmer the Chili: Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, Rotel, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes, or longer for a deeper flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese (vegan cheese for a fully plant-based option), sour cream (vegan sour cream is a great alternative), avocado, or tortilla chips.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level. For a milder chili, omit it entirely. For extra heat, add more, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Beans: Feel free to substitute other beans, such as pinto beans or chickpeas.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Thickness: If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer it uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to thicken it.
- Make it a Slow Cooker Recipe: For an even easier approach, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe yields about 6 servings. The nutritional information will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used. However, a general estimate per serving is:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fiber: Approximately 15-20g
This Impossible Burger chili is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy food recipes. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The best recipes often combine ease of preparation with incredible taste, and this one certainly delivers! Enjoy!